Marty Warren

Describe the company and explain what makes it unique. How did you become involved in real estate?

Fridrich and Clark Realty LLC is a company composed of agents with high ethical standards. The production of our agents ranks consistently at the top of our market year after year. The support staff at my office is the best. Cyndi, Phyllis, Jane, Dana and Laurie are always there to meet any business need or request. Their only question is, “What can I help with today?”

My wife, Nancy, and I have always loved residential real estate. We have lived in 11 residences throughout Nashville and Williamson County and have loved them all. Our entry into the real estate business came after more than 15 years working in the wholesale apparel market. Friends always called us for advice about different neighborhoods and various homes for sale when they would move to Nashville.

We always shared our thoughts and then recommended our Realtor to them. Following our decision to leave the apparel industry, it was an easy choice to make the move to residential real estate sales. We have never looked back and are very fortunate to be working in an industry we love. Nancy, my wife and business partner, first entered the business in 1986 and I followed in 1987. Our son, Matt, has been in the business since 1995 and our daughter, Wendy, since 1993.

Where in the Nashville region are you active? We are active in the market everywhere from The Gulch south to Leiper’s Fork. We have lived in West Meade, Green Hills, Franklin and Brentwood. We always say, “If you are looking from south of downtown out to Williamson County, we have probably lived there at one time.” Nancy and I currently live in Brentwood.

When selling a home, what can the owner do to maximize its value?Always get your home in wonderful condition and presentation mode. That means fresh paint, new carpet and repairs to all of those small items that you have delayed completing. Also use a professional stager such as Caren Kirkpatrick of Savvy Home Staging to prepare each room for the visits of buyers both in person and on the Internet. Caren is fantastic and shares our goal of helping our clients to get market ready.

What advice do you have for clients who are preparing to buy a home? What steps should they take?Prospective buyers should work with a compatible agent who has a vast knowledge of the marketplace of the specific area in which you are looking to purchase. Always know what your price point is. That means getting pre-qualified through a mortgage loan officer. Also im- portant is the factor of having complete trust and confidence in your agent and to work with one who understands your needs and is willing to put the long hours into the search for that perfect home.

How is technology changing the way people buy and sell houses?The changes have been dramatic. Agents previously selected houses to show after leafing through those big MLS listing books. That process went away in the ’90s and was replaced with online listings. I always have my iPad and my iPhone for the ease and convenience of finding answers to clients’ questions.

I do want to share that technology has made the search for properties and related questions easier; however, it also makes it easier to get lost and immersed in that vast system. It is very important to still maintain a personal relationship between the client and agent.

What features are the most popular with today’s buyers?The kitchen is the critical piece and is often the most important part of a home to a buyer. Beyond the kitchen, the next most important room to a buyer is the owner’s suite and adjoining owner’s bathroom. Buyers continue to place wonderful kitchens and baths at the top of their wish list.

Floor plan is important too. Two bedrooms on the main level is a very attractive feature to many; however, owner’s bedroom suites on the second floor are also important to families with small children. Not to be missed would also be the outdoor living space, which has become over the past five years a must-have.

What is the hallmark of the service you provide to your clients?We have a marketing plan which delivers success to our clients. Our hallmark is exceptional knowledge, guidance and care for our clients.

We have developed over the years a business which is a well-oiled machine with the addition of personal involvement, which is of paramount importance. We do also have an exceptionally strong Internet presence. Our team is unique in that we are all family. I work alongside my wife, Nancy, and our children, Wendy and Matt. My family and team members share in the success associated with every step of my work. We value each and every one of our clients. What I appreciate most is, and always will be, our clients.